the first type of rubber
Today, there are nearly 40 types of rubber, but it all started with what nature provides: natural rubber from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It is no coincidence that this remains one of the most widely used types of rubber.
Another name for natural rubber is ‘Pará rubber’, a name tied to its original source: Brazil. Following its ‘discovery’, rubber quickly became a sought-after material, leading to the establishment of rubber plantations worldwide.
soft and resilient
This type of rubber is soft, resilient and highly elastic, making it particularly suitable for mechanically demanding applications. Its elasticity provides high tear resistance and tensile strength, even in extreme cold or heat. Natural rubber withstands temperatures ranging from -60 to +70°C. Even when frozen, it cannot be broken!
However, it is less suitable for exposure to acids and bases. It is also incompatible with fuels, mineral oils and solvents. Moreover, natural rubber ages relatively quickly, which can cause it to crack and break apart over time. To maximise its positive properties, it is often blended with synthetic rubber types. For example, its high strength makes it an excellent choice for use in car tyres.
Over the years, an increasing number of synthetic rubbers (polymers) have been developed, made from petroleum. One such synthetic rubber that offers better resistance to ageing and weathering is SBR.
absorbing vibrations
Natural rubber is used in the production of car tyres and oscillation dampers. It is also found in more technical rubber products such as seals, belts and membranes. At our production facilities in the Netherlands and Bulgaria, natural rubber is widely used to manufacture vibratory hammers, shock pads, (conische) conical oscillation dampers, and distribution boxes for construction sites.
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